Preparation key for Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Adam Eaton's defense

by Sarah McLellan - Sept. 11, 2012 10:42 PMazcentral sports

Even as a youngster, Diamondbacks outfielder Adam Eaton made the defensive aspect of his game a priority.

He hasn't always been out to make a jaw-dropping catch or an extraordinary throw, such as the one Sunday in San Diego against the Padres that doubled up Andy Parrino at first base after he made a catch in deep center field.

But Eaton has aimed for consistency, and it's safe to say that's what he has delivered for the Diamondbacks since debuting with the club last week.

"I don't go out there trying to showcase anything," said Eaton, who made his first start at Chase Field on Tuesday night to kick off a two-game set with the Dodgers. "I think I just go out there and try to play as hard as I can and as efficient as I can. I just went out there and tried to make the best play possible."

His spot-on throw to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was also impressive because of the maturity and awareness it took to execute. But that's a normal part of Eaton's preparation.

Since his call-up from Triple-A Reno when center fielder Chris Young went down with a quad injury, Eaton has immersed himself in his surroundings. He noticed the different park conditions as the team moved from San Francisco to San Diego to close a 10-game road trip.

Eaton even spent part of Monday's off day at Chase Field learning the intricacies of the outfield.

"You can go back to the saying, 'Offense isn't going to be there every day, but defense (is),' " Eaton said. "Defense, all it is is effort. That's what it really comes down to."

Parra's role

Even though Young is not ready to return, Gerardo Parra hasn't been able to grab more playing time.

Eaton made his sixth consecutive start Tuesday. Parra has made two starts in September -- both in left field.

"We made a decision to kind of play Eaton a bit and see what he can do," manager Kirk Gibson said. "(Eaton is) more of a leadoff-type hitter, so we kind of changed the dynamic of our lineup a little bit. We talked to Gerardo about that. He was pretty bummed about that, but we still think very highly of him. It doesn't really mean anything that we think any less of him. It's just a decision we made in our lineup and giving (Eaton) an opportunity while he's up here."

Gibson believes Parra is better at one of the corner outfield positions, but he also wants Eaton to have this opportunity as a regular.

"I think we want to see what he can do at center field," Gibson said. "He also has a very good arm, and he gives us a different dimension at the top of the order. So that's a decision we make as an organization and again, it doesn't mean we think any less of Parra."

Injury update

Young had an MRI on his right quad, and the test revealed a minor strain.

Young hasn't started since Sept. 3 and had one at-bat in Friday's game against the Padres. He ran Tuesday and is expected to do the same Wednesday. Gibson is encouraged by the progress.

"You just never know in these things," Gibson said. "I know how quads are. If you come back too quick and push it too hard, they can linger on. I think they're doing a good job."

As for Willie Bloomquist, who has made only one appearance since coming off the 15-day disabled list, Gibson isn't as optimistic about the infielder's status.

"He's not very active right now," Gibson said. "His back's not responding very good."

Notable: Miley's September was worse than any of his previous months. He posted a 5.90 ERA in the month; his next worst month was June (3.46 ERA). He's still among the leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award, locked in what looks like a close race along with Washington's Bryce Harper and Cincinnati's Todd Frazier. Miley gave up five runs in six innings against the Rockies earlier this month. He has a 3.18 ERA in three starts against them. ... Pomeranz gave up four runs in three innings against the Diamondbacks on Sept. 21, but he came back to toss five scoreless innings against the Cubs in his most recent start. He's given up nine runs in 7 1/3 innings against the Diamondbacks this season. Lefties are hitting just .163 against him, but righties are hitting .293.